Derby’s new bus station not quite there yet

Description:

Three weeks before its opening, a number of problems with Derby’s new bus station have been compiled by Members of Derby City Council's planning and transport commission who went on a site visit.

Following the visit, the councillors want a number of potential problems sorting out before it opens to the public on March 28.

These problems include:

• Putting taxi ranks at the bus station so passengers do not have to cross from the station over the Morledge to the nearest rank.
• Smartening up an unused piece of land by the entrance.
• Installing a bike rack.
• Properly sectioning off an unoccupied retail space.
• Installing vending machines while waiting for the refreshments shop to open.
• Bringing the Royal Derby Hospital shuttle bus into the station.

It has also emerged that there will not initially be an electronic system in the station telling people how long they have to wait for a bus.

The council said it was first waiting to see what real-time information systems were in place at neighbouring bus stations to make sure they were compatible.

There will be 29 bays at the station in total, 24 with direct access plus five outside bays for coaches.

He added: "People have been waiting a long time for this station and it was important to look at it from a customer point of view, instead of from the viewpoint of someone who is so closely involved and focused on getting it open."

The commission will meet tomorrow to discuss their concerns with officers and make requests that the problems be resolved before the station opens.